Become a Member
Why Join JCCABC
Together, We Build Community, Culture, and Opportunity
Enjoy participation and voting privileges, event discounts, leadership opportunities, and contribute to shaping the future of JCCABC.
Membership Rates
- Family (Parents + Children Under 18): $40
- Single Adult: $25
- Senior (55+) / Student: $15
- Corporate (2 representatives): $40
- Associate Single: $25
- Associate Family: $30
Membership Benefits
- Voting privileges in general meetings
- Discounted rates for social events
- Opportunity to serve on committees
- Influence JCCABC planning and policies
- Belong to a supportive cultural community
Community Impact
Membership helps fund scholarships, cultural programs, seniors’ initiatives, youth engagement, newcomer support, and community advocacy throughout British Columbia.
Membership Application Form
Your application will be reviewed and a team member will contact you with next steps.
Membership Information
General Information
Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island, measuring 146 miles at its widest point. Primarily of volcanic origin, the lush island features a mountain ridge that peaks at Blue Mountain which is 7,402 feet high. Many white-sand beaches and clear seas ring the island.
The population of Jamaica was 2.4 million in 1990 with an average annual growth of 1.1% from 1980 to 1990. Approximately 45% of the people are 19 years or under and a little less than 8% are above 65. Based on the census of 1982 at least 48% of the population was urban; in 1943 the census estimated the urban population at that time to be 15%.
Political independence was granted in 1962, following Jamaica’s rejection, by referendum, of the membership in the Federation of the West Indies.
The Jamaican National Flag which came into use on August 6, 1962, Jamaica’s Independence Day, was designed by a bipartisan committee of the Jamaica House of Representatives.
The flag has a diagonal cross or saltire with four triangles in juxtaposition. The diagonal cross is in gold and one-sixth the length of the fly of the flag; the top and bottom triangles are in green; and the hoist and fly triangles are in black. The exact shade of green used in the flag is Emerald T8 17, British Bunting Pattern.
“Hardships there are but the land is green and the sun shineth” is the symbolism of the flag. Black stands for hardships overcome and to be faced; Gold – natural wealth and beauty of sunlight; and Green – hope and agricultural resources.
The Jamaican national motto is: “Out of Many One People”, based on the population’s multi-racial roots.
Aims and Objectives
- To work independent of and in consort with other Associations to improve the social, economic and multi-cultural climate of British Columbia.
- To preserve and promote Jamaican Culture.
- To foster good relations between people of Jamaican heritage and others in the Canadian Society.
- To present the concerns of Jamaican residents in British Columbia.
- To connect new immigrants of Jamaican descent, assist in employment, housing search, and general adaptation into the community.
- Assist Jamaicans in fostering good relations with community police.
- To help finance and support projects beneficial to the Jamaican community in BC and the wider BC community.
- To sponsor awards and scholarships for academic, technical, athletic, or social-cultural excellence.
Background
The Jamaican/Canadian Association of B.C. is under the umbrella organization National Council of Jamaicans and Supportive Organizations in Canada (NCJSOC). It is a National non-profit organization, established in 1987.
The primary purpose of NCJSOC is to identify and respond to the needs of Jamaican- Canadians as well as other ethnic groups. The Association has an active role in society by officiating as a resource facilitator on public policy and other matters affecting its membership.
